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Mind maps: how they can help your child achieve
What is a mind map? Mind maps are a visual snapshot of your child’s ideas set out as a diagram. Mind mapping is a planning technique that has been taught in education for many years now. It is a quick and effective way to capture a student’s ideas, see how their ideas link to the
English comprehension tests: help your child succeed
English comprehension is a key test of English skills in exams. It is required to pass the 11+, 13+, GCSE and IGCSE. So what are the key skills being tested and how can your child score high points on the test? Understanding Explicit and Implicit Information The single most important skill in an English comprehension
7 Ways to help your teenager with English essays
I have often heard parents say that they’d like to help their teenager with an assignment, but they’re not sure exactly how. The new GCSEs and A levels have muddied the waters even further, as most parents are now unsure exactly what is being tested. Assessment objectives can certainly seem confusing, but there are some
Understand your child’s GCSE, IGCSE or A level
It is hard to understand your child’s GCSE, IGCSE or A level if you do not have a background in education. Parents often tell us they are completely confused by the courses their children study at school. This is perfectly understandable, as the GCSE/IGCSE and A level courses certainly appear complex and confusing. Everything
Online tutoring: 5 reasons it works well for students
Online tuition is a different approach but it certainly isn’t second best and done well, with a skilled online tutor, it can achieve excellent results.
Language Skills: how we can learn from the world around us
Turning accidental language learning into fun practice Like language skills, all subjects come with practical applications in the ‘real world’. Classic examples include mental maths being handy when calculating the expected cost of supermarket purchases. Whilst having a good knowledge of written English and grammar helps you to appear professional. This is even more evident
Stress and Anxiety: 10 ways to help your child
Stress and Anxiety – What’s the difference? At this time of year, many of our children will be experiencing stress and anxiety. This blog clarifies the difference between stress and anxiety and provides 10 ways you can help your child create good mental health and resilience. What is Stress? A person experiences stress when faced
Exam anxiety: How to keep calm during exams
Exam Anxiety: Before the exam Get good rest Avoid exam anxiety by getting a good night’s sleep before every exam day. You might be tempted to stay up cramming until late, but it is usually a mistake. You will think better and be calmer in your exam if you are properly rested. Have an early
Procrastination: Help your child get on with their work
Procrastination – what is it? ‘Procrastinare’ The Latin meaning putting forward until tomorrow Procrastination is putting off a task that needs to be done. It may seem hard to believe but procrastination hasn’t always been seen as a negative behaviour (Van Eerde, 2003). In the 1600s procrastination described thoughtful decision making which produced better outcomes. Psychologists have found